Systems and Methods for Subnetworking Using Management Node User Equipment

This application relates generally to wireless communication systems, including wireless communication systems that use subnetworks of user equipments (UEs).

® Wireless mobile communication technology uses various standards and protocols to transmit data between a base station and a wireless communication device. Wireless communication system standards and protocols can include, for example, 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) (e.g., 4G), 3GPP New Radio (NR) (e.g., 5G), and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard for Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN) (commonly known to industry groups as Wi-Fi).

As contemplated by the 3GPP, different wireless communication systems' standards and protocols can use various radio access networks (RANs) for communicating between a base station of the RAN (which may also sometimes be referred to generally as a RAN node, a network node, or simply a node) and a wireless communication device known as a user equipment (UE). 3GPP RANs can include, for example, Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) RAN (GERAN), Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN), and/or Next-Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN).

Each RAN may use one or more radio access technologies (RATs) to perform communication between the base station and the UE. For example, the GERAN implements GSM and/or EDGE RAT, the UTRAN implements Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) RAT or other 3GPP RAT, the E-UTRAN implements LTE RAT (sometimes simply referred to as LTE), and NG-RAN implements NR RAT (sometimes referred to herein as 5G RAT, 5G NR RAT, or simply NR). In certain deployments, the E-UTRAN may also implement NR RAT. In certain deployments, NG-RAN may also implement LTE RAT.

A base station used by a RAN may correspond to that RAN. One example of an E-UTRAN base station is an Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) Node B (also commonly denoted as evolved Node B, enhanced Node B, eNodeB, or eNB). One example of an NG-RAN base station is a next generation Node B (also sometimes referred to as a g Node B or gNB).

A RAN provides its communication services with external entities through its connection to a core network (CN). For example, E-UTRAN may utilize an Evolved Packet Core (EPC) while NG-RAN may utilize a 5G Core Network (5GC).

Frequency bands for 5G NR may be separated into two or more different frequency ranges. For example, Frequency Range 1 (FR1) may include frequency bands operating in sub-6 gigahertz (GHz) frequencies, some of which are bands that may be used by previous standards, and may potentially be extended to cover new spectrum offerings from 410 megahertz (MHz) to 7125 MHz. Frequency Range 2 (FR2) may include frequency bands from 24.25 GHz to 52.6 GHz. Note that in some systems, FR2 may also include frequency bands from 52.6 GHz to 71 GHz (or beyond). Bands in the millimeter wave (mmWave) range of FR2 may have smaller coverage but potentially higher available bandwidth than bands in FR1. Skilled persons will recognize these frequency ranges, which are provided by way of example, may change from time to time or from region to region.

Various embodiments are described with regard to a UE. However, reference to a UE is merely provided for illustrative purposes. The example embodiments may be utilized with any electronic component that may establish a connection to a network and is configured with the hardware, software, and/or firmware to exchange information and data with the network. Therefore, the UE as described herein is used to represent any appropriate electronic component.

1 FIG. 100 1 1 1 1 illustrates a diagramfor the use of sidelink (SL) mode, as may be implemented by some wireless communication systems. SL modeassumes a case of UE interaction with a base station. For example, under SL mode, UEs that engage in SL communications monitor physical downlink control channels (PDCCHs) from the base station, indicate SL buffer status reports (BSRs) to the base station, and/or receive SL scheduling (e.g., for performing SL communications in a transmit (Tx) direction) from the base station. Under SL mode, the base station may be responsible for coordinating the scheduling of SL resources of an SL resource pool that are used by the UEs to perform sidelink operations (SL Tx and/or SL Rx).

1 FIG. 102 110 104 106 102 110 108 102 110 108 108 106 illustrates a case where, for example, a base stationis in a connected mode(e.g., a radio resource control (RRC) connected mode) with at least each of a first UEand a second UE. Note that the base stationmay or may not also be in the connected modewith the third UE, as illustrated. When the base stationis not in the connected modewith the third UE, this corresponds to a partial coverage scenario, because the third UEis still reachable via SL through the second UE, as will be described.

104 106 112 106 102 114 106 104 106 102 106 102 106 102 106 104 106 102 106 114 104 106 114 104 Various examples of functionalities for obtaining scheduling for SL transmissions at various UEs (e.g., the first UEand/or the second UE) are now described. A first example corresponds to first signalingbetween the second UEand the base stationthat is for purposes of scheduling a first SL transmissionfrom the second UEto the first UE. The second UEmay transmit a scheduling request (SR) to the base stationin a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH). In reply, the second UEreceives an uplink (UL) grant from the base stationin a PDCCH. The second UEthen transmits, according to the UL grant, an SL BSR to the base stationusing a PUSCH, where the SL BSR indicates that the second UEhas SL data for the first UE. In reply, the second UEreceives, in a PDCCH from the base station, a downlink control information (DCI) that schedules the second UEto correspondingly perform the first SL transmissionto the first UE. As illustrated, the second UEthen carries out the first SL transmissionto the first UEas scheduled.

116 106 102 118 106 108 106 102 106 102 106 102 106 108 106 102 106 118 108 106 118 108 108 A second example corresponds to second signalingbetween the second UEand the base stationthat is for purposes of scheduling a second SL transmissionfrom the second UEto the third UE. The second UEmay transmit an SR to the base stationin a PUCCH. In reply, the second UEreceives an UL grant from the base stationin a PDCCH. The second UEthen transmits, according to the UL grant, an SL BSR to the base stationusing a PUSCH, where the SL BSR indicates that the second UEhas SL data for the third UE. In reply, the second UEreceives, in a PDCCH from the base station, a DCI that schedules the second UEto correspondingly perform the second SL transmissionto the third UE. As illustrated, the second UEthen carries out the second SL transmissionto the third UEas scheduled. Note that this procedure is the same even in cases where the third UEis an out-of-coverage UE.

120 104 102 122 104 106 104 102 104 102 102 104 106 104 102 104 122 106 104 122 104 104 106 A third example corresponds to third signalingbetween the first UEand the base stationthat is for purposes of scheduling a third SL transmissionfrom the first UEto the second UE. The first UEmay transmit an SR to the base stationin a PUCCH. In reply, the first UEreceives an UL grant from the base stationin a PDCCH. The first UE 104 then transmits, according to the UL grant, an SL BSR to the base stationusing a PUSCH, where the SL BSR indicates that the first UEhas SL data for the second UE. In reply, the first UEreceives, in a PDCCH from the base station, a DCI that schedules the first UEto correspondingly perform the third SL transmissionto the second UE. As illustrated, the first UEthen carries out the third SL transmissionto the first UEas scheduled. Note that in this case, the transmitting UE (the first UE) and the target receiving UE (the second UE) are swapped from the case of the first example.

1 104 106 108 108 Finally, as illustrated, under SL mode, it is understood that each of the first UE, the second UE, and the third UE(when it is an in-coverage UE) are performing monitoring for any base station PDCCHs (BS PDCCHs) from the base station and any SL physical sidelink control channels (PSCCHs) (SL PSCCHs) from other UEs. Note that in an alternative case where the third UEis an out-of-coverage UE, it may may perform cell search instead of monitoring for BS PDCCHs.

1 1 1 Several aspects of SL modeare now discussed. SL modemay be understood to correspond to/represent a relatively high power consumption mechanism for enabling SL communication. This is because, under SL mode, there are various messages transmitted to a base station by a UE and/or received from the base station by a UE. These messages correspond to relatively long-range communications (e.g., as compared to SL communications among the UEs themselves) and therefore use relatively more power.

1 1 Further, SL modemay be understood to correspond to/represent a relatively high latency mechanism for SL communication. This is because, under SL mode, there are a relatively high number of steps in the overall procedure.

1 Still further, SL modemay be understood to correspond to/represent a case that is not privacy preserving. This is because the base station is ultimately aware of which UEs are transmitting to/receiving from which other UEs, and the amount of local data that is being exchanged.

1 Still further, SL modemay be understood to correspond to/represent a case that is relatively less flexible. This is because there is direct base station involvement in many steps of the procedure. This may limit, for example, the amount of customization possible to react to different use cases, such as use cases for changing a synchronization interval (e.g., changing a transmission interval for synchronization signal blocks (SSBs)), use cases for lower power technologies for synchronization (e.g., Bluetooth® (BT) synchronizations), and/or use cases involving specific procedures (e.g., service-specific SRs) among UEs.

2 FIG. 200 2 1 2 2 2 illustrates a diagramfor the use of SL mode, as may be implemented by some wireless communication systems. As compared to SL mode, it may be understood that SL moderemoves various aspects of base station coordination for the allocation, scheduling, or use of resources of an SL resource pool. Instead, under SL mode, a UE may schedule resources of an SL resource pool for its own use. Accordingly, it will be understood that SL modemay be useable in fully out-of-coverage usage scenarios.

2 2 Various implementations of SL modeimplement collision-based device-to-device (D2D) communication aspects. Such SL modecases may utilize channel sensing and/or resource reservation mechanisms.

2 FIG. 202 204 206 2 202 204 206 illustrates a case where, for example, a first UE, a second UE, and a third UEoperate according to SL mode. Note that each of the first UE, the second UE, and the third UEis not in coverage by a RAN/base station.

2 202 204 206 208 208 Under SL mode, any UE (any of the first UE, the second UE, and/or the third UE) may perform one or more of the operations, as illustrated. Various examples for the use of the operationsare now described.

204 204 204 210 212 204 210 202 210 212 206 204 204 210 In a first example, the second UEperforms SL monitoring/sensing, as shown. Based on this SL monitoring/sensing, the second UEidentifies one or more SL resources of an SL resource pool that are not already reserved by another UE. The second UEselects one or more resources from that free group of resources for its own use for a first SL transmissionand sends a first SL PSCCHhaving control information (SCI) that indicates that the second UEwill use the selected resource(s) to perform the first SL transmission. This SCI informs the first UEto expect the first SL transmission. The first SL PSCCHalso informs other UEs, such as the third UE, that the second UEhas reserved the resource(s) in question so that they do not use those resources, as shown. The second UEthen performs the first SL transmissionusing the selected resource(s).

204 204 204 214 216 204 214 206 214 216 202 204 204 214 In a second example, the second UEperforms SL monitoring/sensing, as shown. Based on this SL monitoring/sensing, the second UEidentifies one or more SL resources of an SL resource pool that are not already reserved by another UE. The second UEselects one or more resources from that free group of resources for its own use for a second SL transmissionand sends a second SL PSCCHhaving SCI that indicates that the second UEwill use the selected resource(s) to perform the second SL transmission. This SCI informs the third UEto expect the second SL transmission. The second SL PSCCHalso informs other UEs, such as the first UE, that the second UEhas reserved the resources in question so that they do not use those resources, as shown. The second UEthen performs the second SL transmissionusing the selected resources.

202 202 202 218 220 202 218 204 218 220 206 202 202 218 In a third example, the first UEperforms SL monitoring/sensing, as shown. Based on this SL monitoring/sensing, the first UEidentifies one or more SL resources of an SL resource pool that are not already reserved by another UE. The first UEselects one or more resources from that free group of resources for its own use for a third SL transmissionand sends a third SL PSCCHhaving SCI that indicates that the first UEwill use the selected resource(s) to perform the third SL transmission. This SCI informs the second UEto expect the third SL transmission. The third SL PSCCHalso informs other UEs, such as the third UE, that the first UEhas reserved the resources in question so that they do not use those resources, as shown. The first UEthen performs the third SL transmissionusing the selected resources.

2 202 204 206 202 204 206 Finally, as illustrated, under SL mode, it is understood that each of the first UE, the second UE, and the third UEare performing monitoring for any SL PSCCHs from other UEs. Each of the first UE, the second UE, and the third UEmay also be understood to be performing cell search operations as they are out of coverage of a base station.

1 2 Note that, as compared to communications of SL mode, communications of SL modemay be understood to involve a higher degree of complexity at the UE and/or to be ultimately less reliable.

In various wireless communication systems, UEs can be configured simultaneously with up to three different bandwidth parts (BWPs): a downlink (DL) BWP used for Rx from a base station, an uplink (UL) BWP used for Tx to a base station, and an SL BWP used for Rx and/or Tx with other UE(s). Note that in some such mechanisms, the UL BWP and the SL BWP can overlap.

Validity of an UL BWP and/or a DL BWP is understood at the level of an individual UE that are in a connected mode (e.g., an RRC connected mode) with the network. Alternatively, the SL BWP is a common setting that every SL-participating UE possesses. Note that it is understood corresponding to such cases that the UL and DL BWPs are for Uu-Interface usage (communications between the network and the UE, a “Uu-usage”) while the SL BWP is for PC5-Interface-usage (D2D usage), an “SL-usage”.

A resource split between the Uu-usage and the SL-usage may be semi-static (e.g., as provided by an RRC configuration and/or according to a pre-configuration). Corresponding to such cases, SL resource pools (SL-RPs) may define the split (e.g. in an overlapping UL BWP/SL BWP case, an SL-RP may be understood to represent exclusively SL resources).

3 FIG. 300 302 304 306 308 302 302 310 illustrates a diagramof an SL BWPas may be configured for use by/within a wireless communication system. As shown, a first SL-RP, a second SL-RP, and a third SL-RPmay be defined within the SL BWP, while the remainder of the SL BWP(the Uu resources) are resources associated with Uu-usage.

302 It has been identified that mechanisms for the configuration and use of these types of SL BWPs (as in the SL BWPas just discussed) correspond to various inefficiencies. As just discussed, in such cases the network reserves SL resources for SL communication use across an entire set of UEs operating within the wireless communication system. Accordingly, the arrangement is not very flexible and/or dynamic, as in order to react to a changed SL resource allocation needs at any one UE, the network must reconfigure all the UEs within the system with a same changed SL configuration.

Embodiments herein accordingly discuss systems and methods for the configuration and use of subnetworks of UEs, for which relevant network topologies and granted resources for various communications (including SL-like/D2D-like communications) may be changed on a more dynamic, localized basis.

4 FIG. 400 402 402 404 406 408 illustrates a diagramfor using a subnetworkof UEs, according to embodiments discussed herein. As illustrated, a subnetworkof UEs includes a management node (MN) UE (MN UE), the first managed UEand the second managed UE.

402 404 402 404 406 408 404 402 Within the subnetwork, the MN UEcontrols management aspects with respect to UEs in the subnetwork(e.g., management aspects for the MN UE, the first managed UE, and/or the second managed UE). For example, the MN UEmay act as a scheduler for subnetwork internal traffic that occurs between UEs of the subnetwork.

414 404 414 404 418 406 418 406 420 404 According to a first aspect, an MN UEschedules the receipt of subnetwork internal traffic at one or more subnetwork UEs. For example, according to a first aspect, the MN UEmay transmit a first subnetwork PDCCH (SN PDCCH)to the first managed UE. The first SN PDCCHmay carry DCI that schedules the first managed UEto receive first SN internal datafrom the MN UE.

414 404 422 408 422 408 424 406 As another example, again according to the first aspect, the MN UEmay transmit a second SN PDCCHto the second managed UE. The second SN PDCCHmay carry DCI that schedules the second managed UEto receive second SN internal datafrom the first managed UE

416 404 404 406 426 406 428 406 430 408 Further, according to a second aspect, the MN UEschedules the transmission of subnetwork internal traffic from one or more subnetwork UEs. For example, the MN UEmay receive, from the first managed UE, a requestfor a transmission resource for a subnetwork internal traffic from the first managed UE. The MN UE 404 may accordingly respond using third SN PDCCHhaving a DCI that schedules the first managed UEto perform a transmission of third SN internal datato the second managed UE.

414 416 406 408 404 Using, for example, operations according to the first aspectand the second aspectalong with managed UEs of the subnetwork (e.g., with the first managed UEand/or the second managed UE), the MN UEis enabled to schedule communications between UEs within the subnetwork without direct involvement of, for example, a base station of a RAN.

406 408 404 404 408 As illustrated, each of the first managed UEand/or the second managed UEmay monitor for SN PDCCHs from the MN UEfor purposes of receiving scheduling for subnetwork internal traffic as described. Correspondingly, the MN UEmay monitor for any associated subnetwork PUCCHs sent by the first managed UE 406 and/or the second managed UE, as also illustrated.

400 402 404 402 404 410 412 406 408 404 The diagramillustrates, in particular, aspects related to a network grant mechanism used within the subnetwork. As illustrated, it may be that the MN UEperforms base station-based PDCCH monitoring (BS PDCCH) for the subnetwork. Accordingly, the MN UEcan receive, from the base station, a grantof resources from the network in such a BS PDCCH. Note that it may be that neither of the first managed UEnor the second managed UEis configured for BS PDCCH monitoring. Instead, they rely on the described SN PDCCH monitoring from the MN UEfor scheduling purposes.

412 404 404 412 402 Once the grantfrom the network is received at the MN UE, the MN UEmay schedule any subnetwork internal traffic using the resources indicated within the grantfor the UEs of the subnetworkthrough the use of SN PDCCHs (and corresponding/related signaling), as described herein.

It is observed that, assuming that a set of UEs are network subscribers, the network is to provide service to them according to their individual needs. Accordingly, in cases where the UEs are formed into subnetworks, with one UE of each subnetwork acting as an MN UE for that subnetwork, a base station can delegate dedicated resources towards the various subnetworks (by way of direct communication with their corresponding/representative MN UEs) in a coordinated/dynamic fashion. The network may allow/assume that each MN UE locally manages the granted resources.

Accordingly, each MN UE uses the granted resources to organize (e.g., schedule) subnetwork communication within its subnetwork of UEs. This organization occurs independently of any scheduling actions taken by any other MN UEs for any other subnetworks as may be present within the overall system. Note that the MN UE may be capable of calling for any communication type within its subnetwork of UEs, including D2D signaling, broadcast signaling, multicast signaling, and/or unicast signaling.

4 FIG. 432 410 402 404 In some cases, a communication corresponding to the subnetwork may be purely local or internal to the subnetwork of UEs (subnetwork internal traffic). In other cases, a communication may need to occur between an entity that is external to the subnetwork of UEs and one of the UEs in the subnetwork. In such cases, an MN UE may act as a relay for such communication (note thatcorrespondingly illustrates an external data communicationthat is relayed between the base stationand any UE of the subnetworkthrough the MN UE). In the case of subnetwork internal traffic, no direct base station involvement/scheduling is used; instead, an MN UE more directly handles scheduling for such communications as appropriate (e.g., by scheduling for transmission and/or reception at one or more subnetwork UEs using SN PDCCHs, as described herein).

Note that within a subnetwork, a communication scheme can be optimized/customized for a particular use case. Examples could include adaptations that recognize that subnetwork internal traffic corresponds to shorter ranges, and thus use resources accordingly (e.g., based on assumptions of relatively lower latency and relatively less power consumption for the subnetwork internal traffic).

5 FIG. 500 502 500 502 illustrates a diagramof a subnetwork BWP (SN BWP), as may be configured for use by/within a wireless communication system, according to embodiments discussed herein. The diagramillustrates the configuration/use of resources within the SN BWPfor one subnetwork of UEs.

2 Embodiments herein relate to the use of exclusive resource pools (ERPs) that are configured on a per-subnetwork basis. In other words, ERPs are exclusive per subnetwork of UEs (and are not global across all UEs engaged in different subnetworks). An ERP for a subnetwork may be configured to the MN UE of the subnetwork. The MN UE manages the access/use of resources within the ERP for its subnetwork. Further, as the ERP is exclusive to the given subnetwork, access within the ERP is not subject to potential collision due to use of those resources by other neighboring UEs (compare, for example, the case of SL mode, discussed elsewhere herein).

5 FIG. 504 502 By way of example,illustrates that an ERPhas been configured for the subnetwork of UEs within the SN BWP.

Embodiments herein relate to the use of shared resource pools (SRPs). SRPs are not necessarily exclusive to any particular subnetwork of UEs. Rather, a same SRP could be shared among/used by different subnetworks at the same time. Further, an SRP could be used for either/both Uu traffic managed by a base station and/or for subnetwork internal traffic managed by an MN UE (herein, this aspect may be referred to as a “Uu-SN-shared” aspect).

An SRP may be configured (e.g., to an MN UE) by a base station through RRC messaging.

5 FIG. 506 502 506 By way of example,illustrates that an SRPhas been configured/enabled within the SN BWPfor use by the subnetwork of UEs. Note that the SRPmay be used by other subnetwork(s) of UEs that have also been provided with the corresponding configuration and/or enabling signaling therefore.

504 504 Note that for the subnetwork of UEs, the ERPis constantly active/available to the subnetwork to facilitate subnetwork communications. The ERPmay be used for, for example, subnetwork-related control channels and/or other channels benefiting from relatively increased robustness, like SN PDCCHs, SN PUCCHs, and/or or subnetwork discovery channels. Shared/data channels (e.g., SN physical uplink shared channels (PUSCHs) (SN PUSCHs) and/or SN physical downlink shared channels (PDSCHs) (SN PDSCHs)) may be used in ERPs in various embodiments.

506 506 On the other hand, SRPs (such as the SRP) are temporary in nature (e.g., they are enabled for a subnetwork on a limited/expiring basis). Further, such SRPs might not be exclusive to the subnetwork. The SRPmay be used for, for example, shared/data channels (e.g., SN PDSCHs and/or SN PUSCHs). As in some cases the SRP resources might be active for multiple subnetworks, there is potential for collision, which may be resolved through hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) functionality and/or via transmission repetition.

In various embodiments, a base station dynamically indicates, via a Uu interface communication, to a particular subnetwork (e.g., an MN UE of the subnetwork), whether a configured SRP can be used or not. For example, the base station may indicate, to the MN UE, one or more SRP identifiers (IDs) via DCI on PDCCH/physical broadcast control channel (PBCCH). As another example, the base station may make the indication of active SRP(s) for the subnetwork using a medium access control control element (MAC CE) that is sent to the MN UE.

5 FIG. 508 506 506 By way of example,illustrates the use of Uu resourcesto indicate an SRP grant to the UE. In the particular example illustrated, the indication is made using a PDCCH in a DL BWP that includes a DCI that indicates an SRP grant for the SRPto the MN UE. Alternative examples could instead use a MAC CE in Uu resources of the DL BWP that indicates the SRP grant for the SRPto the MN UE.

500 510 510 504 510 512 514 The diagramfurther illustrates the use of subnetwork control signalingin the given arrangement. For example, the subnetwork control signalingmay be provided within the ERP. As illustrated, an example form of the subnetwork control signalingmay include SN PUCCH, such as the SN PUCCHand/or the SN PUCCH.

500 516 516 504 506 516 520 The diagramfurther illustrates the use of +in the given arrangement. For example, the +may be included in either the ERPand/or the SRP. As illustrated, example form of the +includes a subnetwork PxSCH (SN PxSCH) (e.g., an SN PUSCH or an SN PDSCH), such as the SN PxSCH 518 and/or the SN PxSCH.

An example case for the activation/deactivation of SRPs at a subnetworks of UEs is now provided. If a base station determines that a cell is loaded, the base station may indicate, to one or more MN UEs, that all configured SRPs are now to be used for Uu communication (i.e., SRP grant(s) to the MN UE(s) indicate that the SRPs are inactive for purposes of use by the subnetwork(s)). Assuming that the cell load later decreases, the base station may begin to indicate, to one or more of the MN UEs, which SRP(s) can be utilized for subnetwork traffic (i.e., SRP grant(s) to the MN UE(s) being to indicate that one or more SRPs are active for purposes of use by the subnetwork(s)).

1 FIG. 2 FIG. Accordingly, a base station can grant, within a given SN BWP, SRPs to subnetworks in a dynamic fashion, allowing the base station to dynamically balance between the needs for subnetwork-external traffic (e.g., UL and/or DL via Uu) and the needs for subnetwork internal traffic (between UEs within the subnetwork(s)). Note that this is different than in SL-based cases (refer toandand related discussion herein), where the configured resource pools are SL-exclusive and thus use of the corresponding resources by the system is relatively more constrained.

Note that in various cases, BWP switching can be used by the base station in order to increase an overall bandwidth experienced by the subnetwork.

To facilitate the dynamic activation/deactivation of SRPs, a new UE capability for the MN UE may be defined corresponding to applicable timing requirements for the SRP activation/deactivation. For example, a T_SRP_delay capability may define an amount of time in advance by which an MN UE needs to know of an upcoming availability of an SRP for subnetwork internal traffic to be able to use those SRP resources for scheduling the subnetwork internal traffic. As another example, a T_SRP_active capability may define the length of time the granted SRP resources can be used by the subnetwork.

6 FIG. 600 600 602 1 600 604 600 illustrates a flow diagramfor a grant of an SRP to a subnetwork, and a renewal of that grant, according to embodiments herein. The flow diagramillustrates communications between an MN UEof a subnetwork (referred to as “SN” in the flow diagram) and a base stationthat grants the SRP (referred to as “SRP A” in the flow diagram) to the subnetwork.

600 604 1 606 Preliminarily, the flow diagramillustrates that the base stationis aware that SNoperates according to a T_SRP_delay capabilityof five milliseconds (ms).

604 608 602 1 608 1 606 1 608 602 610 1 604 612 1 The base stationsends a first SRP grantto the MN UEto activate the use of SRP A for subnetwork internal traffic within SN. Note that this first SRP grantis sent prior to the desired activation time for SRP A at SNby at least the T_SRP_delay capabilityfor SN, as just described. As a result of the first SRP grant, the MN UEis informedof the grant of SRP A to SN. The base stationcorrespondingly treatsSRP A as granted to SNgoing forward.

608 604 620 608 602 622 626 1 602 626 624 1 After sending the first SRP grant, the base stationstarts a first T_SRP_delay timer. Correspondingly, after receiving the first SRP grant, the MN UEstarts a second T_SRP_delay timer. Each of these timers tracks, for the respective host entity, a first T_SRP_delay periodafter which SRP A will become active for use at SNfor subnetwork internal traffic. As illustrated, the MN UEuses first T_SRP_delay periodto perform any SN internal setupfor the use of SRP A in SN.

626 602 614 616 1 604 618 1 616 1 604 628 602 630 632 616 1 600 736 100 At the end of the first T_SRP_delay period, the MN UEbeginsactive useof SRP A for subnetwork internal traffic in SN, and the base stationcorrespondingly treatsSRP A as being under active use by SN. In relation to the active useof SRP A for subnetwork internal traffic in SN, the base stationstarts a first T_SRP_active timer. The MN UEalso starts a second T_SRP_active timer. Each of these timers tracks, for the respective host entity, a T_SRP_active periodduring which SRP A is usedby SNfor subnetwork internal traffic. The flow diagramillustrates an example case where the first T_SRP_active periodis initially set toms.

600 632 604 634 636 602 As noted above, the flow diagramcorresponds to a case of a renewal of an SRP grant. Accordingly, prior to an expiration of the T_SRP_active period, the base stationdeterminesto renew the SRP grant. The renewal is effectuated/communicated by the sending of a second SRP grantto the MN UE.

604 634 636 632 606 636 638 636 632 608 1 As illustrated, the base stationdeterminesto send the second SRP grantat or before a time that corresponds to an expiration of the T_SRP_active periodminus the applicable T_SRP_delay capability. In this way, a second SRP grantthat is used to effectuate the renewal is sent with a timing that allows for a second T_SRP_delay periodfor processing the second SRP grantto expire at or prior to the expiration of the T_SRP_active periodcorresponding to the first SRP grant, such that the use of SRP A at SNis uninterrupted.

636 604 640 632 602 642 630 632 616 1 644 1 100 632 Upon sending the second SRP grant, the base stationtreatsthe T_SRP_active periodas prolonged. Further, the MN UErestartsthe second T_SRP_active timercorresponding to the T_SRP_active period, such that the useof SRP A by SNis prolonged. Accordingly, the use of SRP A in SNfor subnetwork internal traffic continues beyond the initialms length initially set for the T_SRP_active periodin an uninterrupted fashion, as illustrated.

628 604 646 604 1 622 602 648 602 616 Eventually, the first T_SRP_active timerat the base stationexpires, at which point the base stationtreats SRP A as not under active use by SNfor subnetwork internal traffic going forward. Similarly, the second T_SRP_delay timerat the MN UEexpires, at which point the MN UEceases the useof SRP A for subnetwork internal traffic.

7 FIG.A 7 FIG.B 700 700 702 1 700 704 700 700 706 2 700 704 704 andtogether illustrate a flow diagramfor a grant of an SRP to a first subnetwork, and then a grant of that same SRP to a second subnetwork, according to embodiments herein. The flow diagramillustrates communications between a first MN UEof a first subnetwork (referred to as “SN” in the diagram) and a base stationthat grants the SRP (referred to as “SRP A” in the flow diagram) to the first subnetwork. The diagramalso illustrates communications between a second MN UEof a second subnetwork (referred to as “SN” in the diagram) and the base stationthrough which the base stationgrants SRP A to the second subnetwork.

700 704 708 2 710 Preliminarily, the flow diagramillustrates that the base stationis aware that SN operates according to a first T_SRP_delay capabilityof five ms and that SNoperates according to a second T_SRP_delay capabilitycapability of seven ms.

704 712 702 1 712 1 708 1 712 702 714 1 704 716 1 The base stationsends a first SRP grantto the first MN UEto activate the use of SRP A for subnetwork internal traffic within SN. Note that this first SRP grantis sent prior to the desired activation time for SRP A at SNby at least the first T_SRP_delay capabilityfor SNas just described. As a result of the first SRP grant, the first MN UEis informedof the grant of SRP A to SN. The base stationcorrespondingly treatsSRP A as granted to SNgoing forward.

712 704 722 712 702 724 726 1 702 726 728 1 After sending the first SRP grant, the base stationstarts a first T_SRP_delay timer. Correspondingly, after receiving the first SRP grant, the first MN UEstarts a second T_SRP_delay timer. Each of these timers tracks, for the respective host entity, a first T_SRP_delay periodafter which SRP A will become active for use at SNfor subnetwork internal traffic. As illustrated, the first MN UEuses first T_SRP_delay periodto perform any SN internal setupfor the use of SRP A in SN.

726 702 718 730 1 704 720 1 730 1 704 732 702 734 736 730 1 700 736 100 At the end of the first T_SRP_delay period, the first MN UEbeginsactive useof SRP A for subnetwork internal traffic in SN, and the base stationcorrespondingly treatsSRP A as being under active use by SN. In relation to the active useof SRP A for subnetwork internal traffic in SN, the base stationstarts a first T_SRP_active timer. The first MN UEalso starts a second T_SRP_active timer. Each of these timers tracks, for the respective host entity, a first T_SRP_active periodduring which SRP A is usedby SNfor subnetwork internal traffic. The diagramillustrates an example case where the first T_SRP_active periodisms.

738 734 736 702 740 1 730 1 At an expirationof the second T_SRP_active timer(corresponding to the end of the first T_SRP_active period), the first MN UEdeterminesthat SRP A is no longer allocated for SN, and correspondingly ends the useof SRP A in SN.

700 736 730 1 702 704 742 2 744 706 2 As noted above, the diagramcorresponds to a case of grant of an SRP first to a first subnetwork and then, later, to a second subnetwork. As illustrated, prior to an expiration of thefirst T_SRP_active periodfor corresponding to the useof SNby first MN UE, the base stationdeterminesgrant SRP A to SN. The grant is effectuated/communicated by the sending of a second SRP grantto the second MN UEthat manages SN.

744 2 710 2 744 706 748 2 704 750 2 Note that this second SRP grantis sent prior to the desired activation time for SRP A at SNby at least the second T_SRP_delay capabilityfor SN. As a result of the second SRP grant, the second MN UEis informedof the grant of SRP A to SN. The base stationcorrespondingly treatsSRP A as granted to SNgoing forward.

744 704 752 744 706 754 746 2 706 746 756 2 After sending the second SRP grant, the base stationstarts a third T_SRP_delay timer. Correspondingly, after receiving the second SRP grant, the second MN UEstarts a fourth T_SRP_delay timer. Each of these timers tracks, for the respective host entity, a second T_SRP_delay period, after which SRP A will become active for use at SNfor subnetwork internal traffic. As illustrated, the second MN UEuses the second T_SRP_delay periodto perform any SN internal setupfor the use of SRP A in SN.

746 706 758 760 2 704 762 2 At the end of the second T_SRP_delay period, the second MN UEbeginsactive useof SRP A for subnetwork internal traffic in SN, and the base stationcorrespondingly treatsSRP A as being under active use by SN.

744 706 730 1 710 704 2 760 730 1 Note that by sending the second SRP grantfor SRP A to the second MN UEwhile the prior useof SRP A by SNis still occurring and in view of the second T_SRP_delay capability(as illustrated), the base stationconfigures SNto begin the useof SRP A at the same time the useof SRP A in SNends, meaning that there is no “wasted” in-between period where SRP A is unallocated for use.

760 2 704 764 706 766 768 760 700 768 In relation to the active useof SRP A for subnetwork internal traffic in SN, the base stationstarts a third T_SRP_active timer. The second MN UEalso starts a fourth T_SRP_active timer. Each of these timers tracks, for the respective host entity, a second T_SRP_active periodduring which SRP A is usedby SN2 for subnetwork internal traffic. The diagramillustrates an example case where the second T_SRP_active periodis 50 ms.

770 766 768 706 772 2 760 2 At an expirationof the fourth T_SRP_active timer(corresponding to the end of the second T_SRP_active period), the second MN UEdeterminesthat SRP A is no longer allocated for SN, and correspondingly ends the useof SRP A in SN.

704 774 764 768 704 704 776 As is further illustrated, the base stationmay also recognize an expirationof the third T_SRP_active timerthat corresponds to the end of the second T_SRP_active period. In the case that the base stationhas not sent any other SRP grant allocating the use of SRP A to any subnetwork at this time, the base stationcorrespondingly determinesthat SRP A is free (inactive for/at any subnetwork) going forward.

8 FIG. 800 802 800 802 806 804 808 810 812 illustrates a diagramof a wireless communication system that uses a subnetworkof UEs, according to embodiments discussed herein. The diagramshows that the subnetworkincludes an MN UEthat communicates with a base stationof a RAN on a Uu link and a first managed UE, a second managed UE, and a third managed UE.

800 804 814 816 The diagramfurther illustrates that the base stationalso operates a Uu connection with each of a first non-subnetworked UEand a second non-subnetworked UE.

804 818 Finally, note that the base stationis connected to the core networkfor the overall wireless communication system.

804 814 816 802 806 804 804 The base stationmay be configured to manage a fair balance between Uu traffic being sent to the first non-subnetworked UEand/or the second non-subnetworked UE, subnetwork internal traffic of the subnetwork, and any relay traffic for the subnetwork that is transmitted between the MN UEand the base station. Various metrics that may be used by the base stationfor this purpose are now discussed.

In some cases, a base station uses a subnetwork size as a metric for granting resources to a subnetwork. In some cases, a subnetwork size metric may be understood in terms of a number of active UEs within the subnetwork. A base station may be aware of the UEs joining or leaving a subnetwork. Further, it is aware of the number of subscribers associated with those UEs and their individual traffic requirements. Accordingly, the base station can adapt the resources granted to the subnetwork accordingly.

For example, in the case of a subnetwork of best effort data UEs, only a relatively few SRP resources (a fewer number of SRP(s) and/or smaller SRP(s)) might be granted to the subnetwork for use. Alternatively, in the case of a subnetwork for internet protocol media subsystem (IMS) and/or voice over internet protocol (VoIP) UEs, relatively more SRP resources (a greater number of SRP(s) and/or larger SRP(s)) might be granted during periods when calls are active.

Note that an RRC status of a subnetwork UE may control whether that UE is counted towards the (active/applicable) subnetwork size that is reflected in the granted SRP resources as discussed. For example, a managed UE of the subnetwork that is in an RRC idle state may not be counted toward the subnetwork size for SRP resource granting purposes, while another managed UE of the subnetwork that is in an RRC connected state may be counted toward the subnetwork size for SRP resource granting purposes.

In some cases, a subnetwork size metric can be understood in terms of a dimension or geographic expansion/extent of the subnetwork (e.g., in terms of maximum communication distance). Then, if subnetwork internal traffic is to be very localized (e.g., where UEs of the subnetwork are separated by relatively shorter distances), the amount of SRP resources granted could be less compared to cases for larger distance subnetwork internal traffic cases (e.g., where UEs of the subnetwork are separated by relatively longer distances), as granted resources can be utilized more efficiently in the shorter distance case (e.g., relatively higher modulation schemes can be effectively used in such cases).

In some cases, a base station uses a subnetwork resource requirement report from a MN UE to activate or deactivate SRP resources at a corresponding subnetwork. For example, the MN UE may send the base station a traffic status report that is so used. The amount of traffic used within/by the subnetwork may be accumulated by the MN UE and then indicated as resource need to the base station. The base station can then activate or deactivate SRP(s) at the subnetwork represented by the MN UE accordingly. Note that this mechanism increases privacy for UEs in the subnetwork as compared to SL cases, in that the traffic status report is reported by the MN UE on an accumulated subnetwork basis and thus does not reveal particular information about specific UE to UE data communications within the subnetwork.

In some examples, a traffic status report may be given as a ratio between subnetwork external traffic (e.g., traffic that is relayed by the MN UE to/from the base station) and subnetwork internal traffic. Such a ratio may be understood to indicate to the base station how many resources are needed for subnetwork internal traffic. As the base station already understands the subnetwork external traffic use, it can use the indicated ratio to derive the resource requirement for the subnetwork internal traffic. For example, if the ratio indicated is 1.5, then the base station understands that the present resource requirement for the subnetwork internal traffic is 1.5 times the current amount of subnetwork external traffic.

In some cases, an MN UE may send the base station a resource demand corresponding to a local content distribution need. For example, an MN UE may report to the base station that same content (e.g., a live sports event, a same immersive environment, etc.) is to be relayed to different UEs within the subnetwork. In response, the base station can use its existing understanding of the Uu traffic demand/conditions of those UEs and their respective channel conditions to determine whether to use the MN UE as an intermediate hub for distributing that content to all of those UEs within the subnetwork (instead of the base station sending individual streams on Uu to each UE in the subnetwork)

Additional factors that may be used by the base station to determine subnetwork resource requirements are now discussed. It may be the case that there are different service levels associated with the operation of a subnetwork. For example, a subnetwork may be operated in a “control channel only” state, where licensed spectrum is used only for coordination, and where unlicensed spectrum is used for data transmission. Alternatively, a subnetwork may be operated in a “control and data” state, where using licensed spectrum is used for both coordination and data transmission. Alternatively, a subnetwork may be operated in a “data only” state, where licensed spectrum is used for particular data (e.g., latency critical data) unlicensed spectrum is used for other types of data. The base station may determine subnetwork resource requirement based on which of these states a subnetwork operates in in order to achieve the data transmission needs according to the operative state.

It may be the case that a base station determines subnetwork resource requirements based on a serving cell quality for the MN UE of the subnetwork. For example, when link between the MN UE and the base station is weak and the subnetwork is heavily using the relay from managed UE(s) to the base station through the MN UE, an amount of SRP resources to be granted to the subnetwork may be relatively lower. Further, such grants could be conditional, (for example, a particular SRP (SRP X) shall be indicated for use in the subnetwork only if a serving cell reference signal receive power (RSRP) reported to the base station by the MN UE meets a certain threshold Y. This allows the base station a mechanism to reuse the SRP X resources more effectively elsewhere (e.g., for Uu traffic or in another subnetwork) when the condition is not met.

It may be the case that a base station determines subnetwork resource requirements based on network conditions. For example, when a cell of the base station is loaded, the base station may prioritize the Uu-related communication by indicating SRP(s) as inactive to any subnetwork(s).

9 FIG. 900 902 904 906 902 902 illustrates a diagramfor the allocation/use of granted resources (ERP resourcesand SRP resources) in a subnetwork of UEs over time, according to embodiments discussed herein. As illustrated, at a time of subnetwork formation, ERP resources(e.g., one or more ERPs) are established for use by the subnetwork. These ERP resourcesremain available for use in the subnetwork throughout the existence of the subnetwork.

900 908 902 908 The diagramfurther illustrates that a first UEthen joins the subnetwork. The base station determines that the subnetwork can still operate sufficiently with only the ERP resourceseven after the first UEjoins the subnetwork, and so no SRP resources are granted to the subnetwork at this time.

900 910 910 902 904 The diagramfurther illustrates that a second UEthen joins the subnetwork. The base station determines that, due to the increased traffic demands for the subnetwork as a result of the addition of the second UE, the subnetwork needs more than just the ERP resources. Accordingly, as illustrated, the base station grants some SRP resources(e.g., one or more SRP(s)) to the subnetwork for use going forward.

900 912 912 904 The diagramfurther illustrates that a first MN UE reportis then sent to the base station by the MN UE of the subnetwork. The first MN UE reportindicates that the subnetwork needs access to many more resources than what are currently available. Accordingly, as illustrated, the base station grants additional SRP resources(e.g., one or more additional SRP(s)) to the subnetwork for use going forward.

900 914 914 The diagramfurther illustrates that a second MN UE reportis then sent to the base station by the MN UE of the subnetwork. The second MN UE reportindicates that the subnetwork needs access to fewer resources than what are currently available. Accordingly, as illustrated, the base station withdraws/does not renew the grant of some SRP resources (e.g., one or more SRP(s)) from the subnetwork going forward.

900 916 916 904 The diagramfurther illustrates that a third MN UE reportis then sent to the base station by the MN UE of the subnetwork. The third MN UE reportindicates that the subnetwork needs access to more resources than what are currently available. Accordingly, as illustrated, the base station grants additional SRP resources(e.g., one or more additional SRP(s)) to the subnetwork for use going forward.

900 918 916 904 The diagramfurther illustrates that a fourth MN UE reportis then sent to the base station by the MN UE of the subnetwork. The third MN UE reportindicates that the subnetwork needs access to still more resources than what are currently available. Accordingly, as illustrated, the base station grants additional SRP resources(e.g., one or more additional SRP(s)) to the subnetwork for use going forward.

900 920 920 The diagramfurther illustrates that a network condition changethen occurs. As a result of the network condition change, it is expected that the base station may need more resources for Uu traffic than were previously in use. Accordingly, as illustrated, the base station withdraws/does not renew the grant of some SRP resources (e.g., one or more SRP(s)) from the subnetwork going forward (e.g., so the base station can use those resource for the Uu traffic instead).

10 FIG. 1000 1002 1004 1002 illustrates a flow diagramfor communications between an MN UEand a base stationcorresponding to granting of resources to a subnetwork managed by the MN UE, according to embodiments discussed herein.

1002 1004 1006 1006 1004 1008 1002 Preliminarily, the MN UEand the base stationcommunicate to accomplish a subnetwork registrationfor the subnetwork. As a result of the subnetwork registration, the base stationis awareof the subnetwork and its members (the MN UEand any currently managed UEs), as illustrated.

1004 1004 1002 1010 1002 Upon formation of the subnetwork, the base stationconfigures a set of one or more ERPs, and potentially one or more SRPs, for the subnetwork. As shown, the base stationsends the MN UEan RRC reconfiguration messagethat configures, to the MN UE, one or more subnetwork BWP(s), a configuration for one or more ERPs for the subnetwork that is found within those BWP(s), and configuration(s) for one or more SRPs that may later be activated for use by the subnetwork(s) that is/are within those BWP(s).

1004 1012 1000 1012 1004 Then, the base stationevaluatesthe current resource situation for the subnetwork for purposes of determining whether to activate one or more SRPs within the subnetwork. In the example corresponding to the flow diagram, it is assumed that, as a result of the evaluation, the base stationdetermines that an SRP is to be activated for the subnetwork.

1004 1002 1014 1014 1014 1014 1014 1014 1002 1004 Accordingly, as shown, the base stationsends the MN UEa first SRP grant. The first SRP grantincludes an SRP ID that identifies one of the configured SRPs that is to be activated for use by the subnetwork. The first SRP grantfurther includes a validity time indicating an amount of time that the SRP is to be active for use at the subnetwork (e.g., a T_SRP_active value). Finally, as illustrated, the first SRP grantmay further include one or more conditions for the SRP to be actively used in the event that the first SRP grantis intended to be conditional. For example, the first SRP grantmay indicate a threshold for an RSRP that should be reported by the MN UEto the base stationthat should be met prior to the use of the SRP in the subnetwork.

1014 1002 1016 1014 1020 1016 1014 1018 1004 1020 As a response to the first SRP grant, the MN UEstarts a first validity timer(e.g., a T_SRP_active timer) to track an amount of time for which the SRP identified by the first SRP grantis to be usedin the subnetwork. The first validity timermay be set for the amount of time equal to the validity time indicated in the first SRP grant. As shown, a corresponding second validity timermay be started by the base stationso that the base station can similarly track the amount of time that the SRP is under active useby the subnetwork.

1002 1020 1016 1014 Accordingly, as illustrated, the MN UE/the subnetwork usesthe SRP indicated in the SRP grant during the period corresponding to the running of the first validity timer. As shown further, this use may be according to one or more conditions as may have been provided in the first SRP grant.

1000 1022 1024 1004 1004 1026 From this point, the flow diagramillustrates various possible alternatives for subsequent operation. A first alternativecorresponds to a case where there is a network or subnetwork change. For example, it may be determinedthat a UE has joined or left the subnetwork, that a UE of the subnetwork has changed to an RRC connected state or fallen to an RRC idle state, or that a loading of a cell operated by the base stationhas changed. Such a change may trigger the base stationto (again) evaluatethe current resource situation for the subnetwork for purposes of determining whether to activate one or more SRPs within the subnetwork.

1000 1004 1004 1002 1028 1028 1028 1028 1014 1014 In the example of the flow diagram, the base stationdetermines that, based on the change, SRP use at the subnetwork should be changed. Accordingly, the base stationsends the MN UEa second SRP grant. The second SRP grantmay include any of an SRP ID that identifies one of the configured SRPs that is to be activated for use by the subnetwork, a validity time indicating an amount of time that that SRP is to be active for use at the subnetwork, and one or more conditions for that SRP to be actively used, as illustrated. In some cases, the second SRP grantindicates an additional SRP for use at the subnetwork. In some cases, the second SRP grantidentifies the original SRP (of the first SRP grant) and the thus the use of the original SRP is modified according to the new parameters in the first SRP grant.

1022 1004 The first alternativemay correspond to a case where a cell starts out in a loaded state, and where the base stationhas initially assigned all SRPs for Uu communication (i.e., any SRP grant indicates that the SRP is inactive for the subnetwork). At this stage, the subnetwork is limited to the use of its ERPs (which may carry, for example, subnetwork control channels and/or minimal subnetwork internal data traffic).

1004 1026 1028 Then, if cell load later decreases or the subnetwork becomes larger (e.g., in geographic size and/or number of UEs), the base stationperforms the evaluationaccordingly to indicate which SRPs can now be utilized for subnetwork traffic (i.e., the use of the second SRP grantindicates that the SRP is active for the subnetwork, as described).

1030 1000 1030 1014 A second alternativefor continuing the flow diagramis now discussed. The second alternativemay be understood to correspond to a case of a change or modification of the first SRP grantpreviously discussed.

1002 1032 As shown, the MN UEsends the utilization/metric reportthat indicates something about the state of SRP use at the subnetwork (e.g., that additional SRP resources would be useful at the subnetwork, or that too many SRP resources are presently allocated to the subnetwork).

1032 1004 1026 The utilization/metric reportmay trigger the base stationto (again) evaluatethe current resource situation for the subnetwork for purposes of determining whether to modify the use of SRPs within the subnetwork.

1034 1004 1004 1002 1036 1036 1014 As a result of the evaluation, the base stationdetermines to change the nature of SRP use at the subnetwork. Accordingly, the base stationsends the MN UEa second SRP grant. The second SRP grantmay include any of an SRP ID that identifies the original SRP of the first SRP grant, potentially a new validity time indicating a new amount of time that that SRP is to be active for use at the subnetwork, and potentially one or more conditions (e.g., new or modified) for that SRP to be actively used, as illustrated.

1038 1000 1038 1014 A third alternativefor continuing the flow diagramis now discussed. The third alternativemay be understood to correspond to a case of a change or modification of the first SRP grantpreviously discussed.

1038 1002 1014 1002 1040 1040 1016 The third alternativecorresponds to a case where the MN UEdetermines that the first validity timer 1016 has expired and/or that any condition identified in the first SRP grantfor the use of the SRP is not met. In either case, the MN UEsuspendsits use of the SRP going forward, as shown. Note that in cases where the suspensionis based on a failure to meet a condition, it is contemplated that the SRP may be used later if the condition is later met, while the first validity timeris still valid.

Embodiments corresponding to information that may be exchanged between a base station and a subnetwork are now discussed. In some cases, the network provides individual ERP and SRP configurations to each subnetwork. These configurations may include SRP IDs, time/frequency resources for the ERP(s)/SRP(s), periodicities for the for the ERP(s)/SRP(s), etc.

The network may provide an SRP grant for a subnetwork to an MN UE for that subnetwork. The SRP grant may include an SRP ID (e.g., that corresponds to that given in a prior configuration). The SRP grant may include a validity time for the SRP. Note that in some cases, a validity time may be understood as a duration for active use of the SRP in the subnetwork when the SRP is in an inactive state when the SRP grant is received, or as a duration for suspension of use of the SRP in the subnetwork when the SRP is already in an active state when the SRP grant is received. The SRP grant may include a validity condition. Examples of validity conditions include RSRP thresholds (e.g., thresholds for an RSRP reported by an MN UE to the base station) and location boundaries for which the SRP grant applies (e.g., geo location boundaries, cell ID-based boundaries, and/or tracking area (TA)-based boundaries).

The MN UE may provide a metric report to the network. In cases where the network can configure ERP/SRP resources to the subnetwork, it may use information from the subnetwork received in such metric reports to determine how many resources to grant to the SN in the form of ERP(s) and/or SRP(s). Examples of the contents of such metric reports include measurement reports corresponding to a link between the base station and the MN UE; a utilization report for presently granted resources (e.g., of currently granted ERP(s) and any SRP(s)); a ratio for subnetwork internal traffic versus subnetwork external traffic; a subnetwork UE activity ratio; an indication of a temporary resource need (e.g., in terms of bandwidth (BW), duration, etc.); a throughput demand corresponding to traffic/application classes, latency requirements/constraints, etc.; and/or an indication of a maximum distance of a managed UE from the MN UE and/or a pathloss for subnetwork internal communications.

Such metric reports may aid the network in estimating a resource need for subnetwork internal traffic, subnetwork external traffic being relayed through MN UE, and/or to coordinate SRP grants among different subnetworks.

Embodiments corresponding to inter-subnetwork interference management are now discussed. In some cases, a base station may use inter-subnetwork interference measurements. As the network ultimately owns the resources that are granted to the subnetworks, it is useful for the network to act as a coordinator for those grants in a manner that avoids inter-subnetwork interference, while also enabling frequency reuse for/across different subnetworks that are deployed in different areas of the cell (in other words, subnetwork-localized SRP reuse). Accordingly, the network may configure MN UEs to transmit inter-MN reference signals (e.g., in their ERPs, such that interference on the inter-MN reference signals due to transmissions from other entities of the system is not a factor). The network may configure other MN UEs to measure the transmitted inter-MN reference signals and report these measurements back to the network. This enables the network to coordinate resources among subnetworks/MN UEs. For example, using this information, the network can determine overlap/non-overlap of a same SRP across different subnetworks and accordingly manage SRP activity and configuration.

Embodiments corresponding to subnetwork interference measurements by non-subnetworked UEs are now discussed. In cases where a subnetwork BWP overlaps with a DL BWP, the base station may assign a non-subnetworked UE to perform measurement and corresponding reporting of signals specific to the subnetwork (e.g., an inter-MN reference signal) to allow the network to assess the impact of subnetwork local transmissions on those non-subnetworked UEs.

Various benefits achieved corresponding to the use of subnetworking embodiments discussed herein are now discussed. The embodiments herein may achieve relatively increased privacy protection as compared to network-centric solutions like integrated access and backhaul (IAB) and/or SL. This is because subnetwork internal communication is hidden from the network (e.g., as opposed to the IAB cases, where a network node has access to information about such inter-UE communications). Further, note that in SL cases (e.g., mode 1), the base station organizes D2D communication and therefore has particularized information about inter-UE communication.

Embodiments discussed herein enable more use-case-centric optimizations than are otherwise possible. Such optimizations may improve resource usage, latency and/or power use through the use of independent resource management within the subnetwork.

For example, it may be feasible to increase a synchronization interval (e.g., a synchronization signal block (SSB) transmission interval) used by the base station when using subnetworking embodiments. Any additional SSB needs beyond this reduced number of SSB transmissions by the base station by particular UE(s) can then be treated on a more localized subnetwork level corresponding to those particular UE(s).

As another example of optimization, broadcast and/or unicast usage can be effectively leveraged within a subnetwork. For example, for shared experience of users and/or multimodality, the subnetwork can implement different communication schemes within the granted resources with more flexibility than/independent from the network.

As another example of optimization, lower power technology for synchronization, random access, and/or SRs (e.g., via BT) may be implemented on a subnetwork basis. Further, custom procedures (e.g., service-specific SRs) as agreed within the subnetwork could be enabled.

As another example of optimization, privacy-preserving configured grant (CG) schemes can be agreed between the MN UE and the network.

The embodiments for subnetworking discussed herein may achieve more flexibility and/or adaptability as compared to SL cases, as the amount of resources reserved for subnetwork use is not fixed, and accordingly, the base station can more dynamically manage a balance between resources allocated for control by individual subnetworks versus Uu resources that remain under the control of the base station.

11 FIG. 1100 1100 1102 1100 1104 1100 1106 illustrates a methodof an MN UE, according to embodiments discussed herein. The methodincludes receiving, from a base station, a configuration message defining an ERP that is exclusively for use by a subnetwork of UEs managed by the MN UE and one or more SRPs of a wireless communication system in which the base station operates. The methodfurther includes receiving, from the base station, a first SRP grant for a first activation of a first SRP of the one or more SRPs for the subnetwork of UEs. The methodfurther includes sending, to the subnetwork of UEs, after receiving the first SRP grant, a first control channel indication in the ERP that schedules a first subnetwork internal traffic of the subnetwork of UEs to use the first SRP.

1100 In some embodiments of the method, the first SRP grant further comprises a validity duration for the first activation of the first SRP for the subnetwork of UEs.

1100 In some embodiments of the method, the first SRP grant further comprises a condition for the first activation of the first SRP for the subnetwork of UEs. In some such embodiments, the condition comprises that the activation of the first SRP occurs when a serving cell RSRP measured by the MN UE meets a threshold. In some such embodiments, the condition comprises that the activation of the first SRP occurs when the MN UE is at an indicated location. In some such embodiments, the condition comprises that the activation of the first SRP occurs when the MN UE determines that one or more managed UEs of the subnetwork of UEs is within a specified area.

1100 In some embodiments, the methodfurther includes sending, to the base station, a traffic status report for the subnetwork of UEs, wherein the traffic status report indicates a ratio between a first amount of external traffic for the subnetwork of UEs and a second amount of internal traffic for the subnetwork of UEs, and wherein the first SRP grant is received from the base station in response to the traffic status report.

1100 In some embodiments, the methodfurther includes sending, to the base station, an indication that multiple managed UEs of the subnetwork of UEs are to receive first data, wherein the first SRP grant is received in response to the indication; receiving, from the base station, the first data; and providing the first data to a first UE of the multiple managed UEs and a second UE of the multiple managed UEs in the first subnetwork internal traffic.

1100 In some embodiments, the methodfurther includes sending, to the base station, an indication that a new managed UE has joined the subnetwork of UEs, wherein the first SRP grant is received from the base station in response to the indication.

1100 In some embodiments, the methodfurther includes sending, to the base station, an indication of a traffic type being used in the subnetwork of UEs, wherein the first SRP grant is received from the base station in response to the indication.

1100 In some embodiments, the methodfurther includes sending, to the base station, an indication that distances between UEs of the subnetwork of UEs has increased, wherein the first SRP grant is received from the base station in response to the indication.

1100 In some embodiments, the methodfurther includes receiving, from the base station, an instruction to transmit an inter-MN reference signal; and transmitting the inter-MN reference signal in the ERP.

1100 In some embodiments, the method, measuring an inter-MN reference signal transmitted by another MN UE to generate an inter-MN interference measurement; and sending, to the base station, the inter-MN interference measurement.

1100 In some embodiments of the method, the first SRP grant is further for a second activation of a second SRP of the one or more SRPs for the subnetwork of UEs.

1100 In some embodiments, the methodfurther includes receiving, from the base station, a second SRP grant for a second activation of a second SRP of the one or more SRPs for the subnetwork of UEs; and sending, after receiving the second SRP grant, a second control channel indication in the ERP that schedules a second subnetwork internal traffic of the subnetwork of UEs to use the second SRP.

1100 In some embodiments, the methodfurther includes determining that the first subnetwork internal communication experienced a collision within the first SRP; and sending, after determining that the first subnetwork internal communication experienced the collision, a retransmission of the first subnetwork internal communication.

1100 In some embodiments of the method, the first SRP is defined within frequency resources that are not licensed by the wireless communication system.

1100 In some embodiments of the method, the first SRP grant is received in a DCI.

1100 In some embodiments of the method, the first SRP grant is received in a MAC CE.

1100 In some embodiments of the method, the first subnetwork internal traffic is between a first managed UE of the subnetwork of UEs and a second managed UE of the subnetwork of UEs.

1100 In some embodiments of the method, the first subnetwork internal traffic is between the MN UE and a managed UE of the subnetwork of UEs.

12 FIG. 1200 1202 1200 1204 1200 1206 illustrates a methodof a base station, according to embodiments discussed herein. The method 1200 includes sending, to a first MN UE that manages a first subnetwork of UEs, a first configuration message defining a first ERP that is exclusively for use by the first subnetwork of UEs and one or more SRPs of a wireless communication system in which the base station operates. The methodfurther includes determiningto grant first additional resources to the first subnetwork of UEs based on a resource evaluation for sidelink resources managed by the base station. The methodfurther includes sending, to the first MN UE, in response to the determination to grant the first additional resources to the first subnetwork of UEs, a first SRP grant for a first activation of a first SRP of the one or more SRPs for the first subnetwork of UEs.

1200 In some embodiments of the method, the first SRP grant further comprises a validity duration for the first activation of the first SRP for the subnetwork of UEs.

1200 In some embodiments of the method, the first SRP grant further comprises a condition for the first activation of the first SRP for the subnetwork of UEs. In some such embodiments, the condition comprises that the activation of the first SRP occurs when a serving cell RSRP measured by the first MN UE meets a threshold. In some such embodiments, the condition comprises that the activation of the first SRP occurs when the first MN UE is at an indicated location. In some such embodiments, the condition comprises that the activation of the first SRP occurs when the MN UE determines that one or more managed UEs of the subnetwork of UEs is within a specified area.

1200 In some embodiments, the methodfurther includes receiving, from the first MN UE, a traffic status report for the first subnetwork of UEs, wherein the traffic status report indicates a ratio between a first amount of external traffic for the first subnetwork of UEs and a second amount of internal traffic for the first subnetwork of UEs, and wherein the resource evaluation uses the traffic status report to make the determination to grant the first additional resources to the first subnetwork of UEs.

1200 In some embodiments, the methodfurther includes receiving, from the first MN UE, an indication that multiple managed UEs of the first subnetwork of UEs are to receive first data, wherein the resource evaluation uses the indication to make the determination to grant the first additional resources to the first subnetwork of UEs.

1200 In some embodiments, the methodfurther includes receiving, from the first MN UE, an indication that a new managed UE has joined the first subnetwork of UEs, wherein the resource evaluation uses the indication to make the determination to grant the first additional resources to the first subnetwork of UEs.

1200 In some embodiments, the methodfurther includes receiving, from the first MN UE, an indication of a traffic type being used in the first subnetwork of UEs, wherein the resource evaluation uses the indication to make the determination to grant the first additional resources to the first subnetwork of UEs.

1200 In some embodiments, the methodfurther includes receiving, from the first MN UE, an indication that distances between UEs of the subnetwork of UEs has increased, wherein the resource evaluation uses the indication to make the determination to grant the first additional resources to the first subnetwork of UEs.

1200 In some embodiments, the methodfurther includes sending, to the first MN UE, an instruction to transmit an inter-MN reference signal; and receiving, from a second MN UE, an inter-MN interference measurement of the inter-MN reference signal; wherein the resource evaluation uses the inter-MN interference measurement to make the determination to grant the first additional resources to the first subnetwork of UEs.

1200 In some embodiments, the methodfurther includes sending, to a second MN UE that manages a second subnetwork of UEs, a second configuration message defining a second ERP that is exclusively for use by the second subnetwork of UEs and the one or more SRPs of the wireless communication system; determining to grant second additional resources to the second subnetwork of UEs based on the resource evaluation; and sending, to the second MN UE, in response to the determination to grant the second additional resources to the second subnetwork of UEs, a second SRP grant for a second activation of the first SRP of the one or more SRPs for the second subnetwork of UEs. In some such embodiments, the second SRP grant is sent to the second MN UE prior to a deactivation of the first SRP at the first MN UE by an amount of time that is equal to an SRP grant setup delay for the second MN UE.

1200 In some embodiments, the methodfurther includes determining, after sending the first SRP grant, that a cell of the base station is heavily loaded; and sending, to the first MN UE, in response to the determination that the cell is heavily loaded, a withdrawal of the first SRP grant that deactivates the first SRP at the first MN UE.

1200 In some embodiments of the method, the first SRP is defined within frequency resources that are not licensed by the wireless communication system.

1200 In some embodiments of the method, the first SRP grant is received in a DCI.

1200 In some embodiments of the method, the first SRP grant is received in a MAC CE.

13 FIG. 1300 1300 3 illustrates an example architecture of a wireless communication system, according to embodiments disclosed herein. The following description is provided for an example wireless communication systemthat operates in conjunction with the LTE system standards and/or 5G or NR system standards as provided byGPP technical specifications.

13 FIG. 1300 1302 1304 1302 1304 As shown by, the wireless communication systemincludes UEand UE(although any number of UEs may be used). In this example, the UEand the UEare illustrated as smartphones (e.g., handheld touchscreen mobile computing devices connectable to one or more cellular networks), but may also comprise any mobile or non-mobile computing device configured for wireless communication.

1302 1304 1306 1306 1302 1304 1308 1310 1306 1306 1312 1314 1308 1310 The UEand UEmay be configured to communicatively couple with a RAN. In embodiments, the RANmay be NG-RAN, E-UTRAN, etc. The UEand UEutilize connections (or channels) (shown as connectionand connection, respectively) with the RAN, each of which comprises a physical communications interface. The RANcan include one or more base stations (such as base stationand base station) that enable the connectionand connection.

1308 1310 1306 In this example, the connectionand connectionare air interfaces to enable such communicative coupling, and may be consistent with RAT(s) used by the RAN, such as, for example, an LTE and/or NR.

1302 1304 1316 1304 1318 1320 1320 1318 1318 1324 ® In some embodiments, the UEand UEmay also directly exchange communication data via a sidelink interface. The UEis shown to be configured to access an access point (shown as AP) via connection. By way of example, the connectioncan comprise a local wireless connection, such as a connection consistent with any IEEE 802.11 protocol, wherein the APmay comprise a Wi-Firouter. In this example, the APmay be connected to another network (for example, the Internet) without going through a CN.

1302 1304 1312 1314 In embodiments, the UEand UEcan be configured to communicate using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) communication signals with each other or with the base stationand/or the base stationover a multicarrier communication channel in accordance with various communication techniques, such as, but not limited to, an orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) communication technique (e.g., for downlink communications) or a single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) communication technique (e.g., for uplink and ProSe or sidelink communications), although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect. The OFDM signals can comprise a plurality of orthogonal subcarriers.

1312 1314 1312 1314 1322 1300 1324 1322 2 2 1300 1324 1322 1312 1324 In some embodiments, all or parts of the base stationor base stationmay be implemented as one or more software entities running on server computers as part of a virtual network. In addition, or in other embodiments, the base stationor base stationmay be configured to communicate with one another via interface. In embodiments where the wireless communication systemis an LTE system (e.g., when the CNis an EPC), the interfacemay be an Xinterface. The Xinterface may be defined between two or more base stations (e.g., two or more eNBs and the like) that connect to an EPC, and/or between two eNBs connecting to the EPC. In embodiments where the wireless communication systemis an NR system (e.g., when CNis a 5GC), the interfacemay be an Xn interface. The Xn interface is defined between two or more base stations (e.g., two or more gNBs and the like) that connect to 5GC, between a base station(e.g., a gNB) connecting to 5GC and an eNB, and/or between two eNBs connecting to 5GC (e.g., CN).

1306 1324 1326 1302 1304 1324 1306 1324 The RANis shown to be communicatively coupled to the CN. The CN 1324 may comprise one or more network elements, which are configured to offer various data and telecommunications services to customers/subscribers (e.g., users of UEand UE) who are connected to the CNvia the RAN. The components of the CNmay be implemented in one physical device or separate physical devices including components to read and execute instructions from a machine-readable or computer-readable medium (e.g., a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium).

1324 1306 1324 1 1328 1 1328 1 1 1312 1314 1 1312 1314 In embodiments, the CNmay be an EPC, and the RANmay be connected with the CNvia an Sinterface. In embodiments, the Sinterfacemay be split into two parts, an Suser plane (S-U) interface, which carries traffic data between the base stationor base stationand a serving gateway (S-GW), and the S-MME interface, which is a signaling interface between the base stationor base stationand mobility management entities (MMEs).

1324 1306 1324 1328 1328 1312 1314 1 1312 1314 In embodiments, the CNmay be a 5GC, and the RANmay be connected with the CNvia an NG interface. In embodiments, the NG interfacemay be split into two parts, an NG user plane (NG-U) interface, which carries traffic data between the base stationor base stationand a user plane function (UPF), and the Scontrol plane (NG-C) interface, which is a signaling interface between the base stationor base stationand access and mobility management functions (AMFs).

1330 1324 1330 1302 1304 1324 1330 1324 1332 Generally, an application servermay be an element offering applications that use internet protocol (IP) bearer resources with the CN(e.g., packet switched data services). The application servercan also be configured to support one or more communication services (e.g., VoIP sessions, group communication sessions, etc.) for the UEand UEvia the CN. The application servermay communicate with the CNthrough an IP communications interface.

14 FIG. 1400 1434 1402 1418 1400 1402 1418 illustrates a systemfor performing signalingbetween a wireless deviceand a network device, according to embodiments disclosed herein. The systemmay be a portion of a wireless communications system as herein described. The wireless devicemay be, for example, a UE of a wireless communication system. The network devicemay be, for example, a base station (e.g., an eNB or a gNB) of a wireless communication system.

1402 1404 1404 1402 1404 The wireless devicemay include one or more processor(s). The processor(s)may execute instructions such that various operations of the wireless deviceare performed, as described herein. The processor(s)may include one or more baseband processors implemented using, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a controller, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) device, another hardware device, a firmware device, or any combination thereof configured to perform the operations described herein.

1402 1406 1406 1408 1404 1406 1404 The wireless devicemay include a memory. The memorymay be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that stores instructions(which may include, for example, the instructions being executed by the processor(s)). The instructions 1408 may also be referred to as program code or a computer program. The memorymay also store data used by, and results computed by, the processor(s).

1402 1410 1412 1402 1434 1402 1418 The wireless devicemay include one or more transceiver(s)that may include radio frequency (RF) transmitter circuitry and/or receiver circuitry that use the antenna(s)of the wireless deviceto facilitate signaling (e.g., the signaling) to and/or from the wireless devicewith other devices (e.g., the network device) according to corresponding RATs.

1402 1412 1412 1402 1412 1402 1402 1412 The wireless devicemay include one or more antenna(s)(e.g., one, two, four, or more). For embodiments with multiple antenna(s), the wireless devicemay leverage the spatial diversity of such multiple antenna(s)to send and/or receive multiple different data streams on the same time and frequency resources. This behavior may be referred to as, for example, multiple input multiple output (MIMO) behavior (referring to the multiple antennas used at each of a transmitting device and a receiving device that enable this aspect). MIMO transmissions by the wireless devicemay be accomplished according to precoding (or digital beamforming) that is applied at the wireless devicethat multiplexes the data streams across the antenna(s)according to known or assumed channel characteristics such that each data stream is received with an appropriate signal strength relative to other streams and at a desired location in the spatial domain (e.g., the location of a receiver associated with that data stream). Certain embodiments may use single user MIMO (SU-MIMO) methods (where the data streams are all directed to a single receiver) and/or multi user MIMO (MU-MIMO) methods (where individual data streams may be directed to individual (different) receivers in different locations in the spatial domain).

1402 1412 1412 In certain embodiments having multiple antennas, the wireless devicemay implement analog beamforming techniques, whereby phases of the signals sent by the antenna(s)are relatively adjusted such that the (joint) transmission of the antenna(s)can be directed (this is sometimes referred to as beam steering).

1402 1414 1414 1402 1402 1414 1410 1412 ® The wireless devicemay include one or more interface(s). The interface(s)may be used to provide input to or output from the wireless device. For example, a wireless devicethat is a UE may include interface(s)such as microphones, speakers, a touchscreen, buttons, and the like in order to allow for input and/or output to the UE by a user of the UE. Other interfaces of such a UE may be made up of transmitters, receivers, and other circuitry (e.g., other than the transceiver(s)/antenna(s)already described) that allow for communication between the UE and other devices and may operate according to known protocols (e.g., Wi-Fi, BT, and the like).

1402 1416 1416 1416 1408 1406 1404 1416 1404 1410 1416 1404 1410 The wireless devicemay include a subnetworking module. The subnetworking modulemay be implemented via hardware, software, or combinations thereof. For example, the subnetworking modulemay be implemented as a processor, circuit, and/or instructionsstored in the memoryand executed by the processor(s). In some examples, the subnetworking modulemay be integrated within the processor(s)and/or the transceiver(s). For example, the subnetworking modulemay be implemented by a combination of software components (e.g., executed by a DSP or a general processor) and hardware components (e.g., logic gates and circuitry) within the processor(s)or the transceiver(s).

1416 1416 1402 11 FIG. The subnetworking modulemay be used for various aspects of the present disclosure, for example, aspects of. The subnetworking modulemay configure the wireless deviceto, for example, receive, from a base station, a configuration message defining an ERP that is exclusively for use by a subnetwork of UEs managed by the MN UE and one or more SRPs of a wireless communication system in which the base station operates; receive, from the base station, a first SRP grant for a first activation of a first SRP of the one or more SRPs for the subnetwork of UEs; and send, to the subnetwork of UEs, after receiving the first SRP grant, a first control channel indication in the ERP that schedules a first subnetwork internal traffic of the subnetwork of UEs to use the first SRP.

1418 1420 1420 1418 1420 The network devicemay include one or more processor(s). The processor(s)may execute instructions such that various operations of the network deviceare performed, as described herein. The processor(s)may include one or more baseband processors implemented using, for example, a CPU, a DSP, an ASIC, a controller, an FPGA device, another hardware device, a firmware device, or any combination thereof configured to perform the operations described herein.

1418 1422 1422 1424 1420 1424 1422 1420 The network devicemay include a memory. The memorymay be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that stores instructions(which may include, for example, the instructions being executed by the processor(s)). The instructionsmay also be referred to as program code or a computer program. The memorymay also store data used by, and results computed by, the processor(s).

1418 1426 1428 1418 1434 1418 1402 The network devicemay include one or more transceiver(s)that may include RF transmitter circuitry and/or receiver circuitry that use the antenna(s)of the network deviceto facilitate signaling (e.g., the signaling) to and/or from the network devicewith other devices (e.g., the wireless device) according to corresponding RATs.

1418 1428 1428 1418 The network devicemay include one or more antenna(s)(e.g., one, two, four, or more). In embodiments having multiple antenna(s), the network devicemay perform MIMO, digital beamforming, analog beamforming, beam steering, etc., as has been described.

1418 1430 1430 1418 1418 1430 1426 1428 The network devicemay include one or more interface(s). The interface(s)may be used to provide input to or output from the network device. For example, a network devicethat is a base station may include interface(s)made up of transmitters, receivers, and other circuitry (e.g., other than the transceiver(s)/antenna(s)already described) that enables the base station to communicate with other equipment in a core network, and/or that enables the base station to communicate with external networks, computers, databases, and the like for purposes of operations, administration, and maintenance of the base station or other equipment operably connected thereto.

1418 1432 1432 1432 1424 1422 1420 1432 1420 1426 1432 1420 1426 The network devicemay include a subnetworking module. The subnetworking modulemay be implemented via hardware, software, or combinations thereof. For example, the subnetworking modulemay be implemented as a processor, circuit, and/or instructionsstored in the memoryand executed by the processor(s). In some examples, the subnetworking modulemay be integrated within the processor(s)and/or the transceiver(s). For example, the subnetworking modulemay be implemented by a combination of software components (e.g., executed by a DSP or a general processor) and hardware components (e.g., logic gates and circuitry) within the processor(s)or the transceiver(s).

1432 1432 1418 1418 1418 12 FIG. The subnetworking modulemay be used for various aspects of the present disclosure, for example, aspects of. The subnetworking modulemay configure the network deviceto, for example, send, to an MN UE that manages a subnetwork of UEs, a configuration message defining an ERP that is exclusively for use by the subnetwork of UEs and one or more SRPs of a wireless communication system in which the network deviceoperates; determine to grant additional resources to the subnetwork of UEs based on a resource evaluation for sidelink resources managed by the network device; and send, to the MN UE, in response to the determination to grant the additional resources to the subnetwork of UEs, an SRP grant for an activation of a first SRP of the one or more SRPs for the subnetwork of UEs.

1100 1402 Embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus comprising means to perform one or more elements of the method. This apparatus may be, for example, an apparatus of a UE (such as a wireless devicethat is a UE, as described herein).

1100 1406 1402 Embodiments contemplated herein include one or more non-transitory computer-readable media comprising instructions to cause an electronic device, upon execution of the instructions by one or more processors of the electronic device, to perform one or more elements of the method. This non-transitory computer-readable media may be, for example, a memory of a UE (such as a memoryof a wireless devicethat is a UE, as described herein).

1100 1402 Embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus comprising logic, modules, or circuitry to perform one or more elements of the method. This apparatus may be, for example, an apparatus of a UE (such as a wireless devicethat is a UE, as described herein).

1100 1402 Embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus comprising: one or more processors and one or more computer-readable media comprising instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform one or more elements of the method. This apparatus may be, for example, an apparatus of a UE (such as a wireless devicethat is a UE, as described herein).

1100 Embodiments contemplated herein include a signal as described in or related to one or more elements of the method.

1100 1404 1402 1406 1402 Embodiments contemplated herein include a computer program or computer program product comprising instructions, wherein execution of the program by a processor is to cause the processor to carry out one or more elements of the method. The processor may be a processor of a UE (such as a processor(s)of a wireless devicethat is a UE, as described herein). These instructions may be, for example, located in the processor and/or on a memory of the UE (such as a memoryof a wireless devicethat is a UE, as described herein).

1200 1418 Embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus comprising means to perform one or more elements of the method. This apparatus may be, for example, an apparatus of a base station (such as a network devicethat is a base station, as described herein).

1200 1422 1418 Embodiments contemplated herein include one or more non-transitory computer-readable media comprising instructions to cause an electronic device, upon execution of the instructions by one or more processors of the electronic device, to perform one or more elements of the method. This non-transitory computer-readable media may be, for example, a memory of a base station (such as a memoryof a network devicethat is a base station, as described herein).

1200 1418 Embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus comprising logic, modules, or circuitry to perform one or more elements of the method. This apparatus may be, for example, an apparatus of a base station (such as a network devicethat is a base station, as described herein).

1200 1418 Embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus comprising: one or more processors and one or more computer-readable media comprising instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform one or more elements of the method. This apparatus may be, for example, an apparatus of a base station (such as a network devicethat is a base station, as described herein).

1200 Embodiments contemplated herein include a signal as described in or related to one or more elements of the method.

1200 1420 1418 1422 1418 Embodiments contemplated herein include a computer program or computer program product comprising instructions, wherein execution of the program by a processing element is to cause the processing element to carry out one or more elements of the method. The processor may be a processor of a base station (such as a processor(s)of a network devicethat is a base station, as described herein). These instructions may be, for example, located in the processor and/or on a memory of the base station (such as a memoryof a network devicethat is a base station, as described herein).

For one or more embodiments, at least one of the components set forth in one or more of the preceding figures may be configured to perform one or more operations, techniques, processes, and/or methods as set forth herein. For example, a baseband processor as described herein in connection with one or more of the preceding figures may be configured to operate in accordance with one or more of the examples set forth herein. For another example, circuitry associated with a UE, base station, network element, etc. as described above in connection with one or more of the preceding figures may be configured to operate in accordance with one or more of the examples set forth herein.

Any of the above described embodiments may be combined with any other embodiment (or combination of embodiments), unless explicitly stated otherwise. The foregoing description of one or more implementations provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of embodiments to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of various embodiments.

Embodiments and implementations of the systems and methods described herein may include various operations, which may be embodied in machine-executable instructions to be executed by a computer system. A computer system may include one or more general-purpose or special-purpose computers (or other electronic devices). The computer system may include hardware components that include specific logic for performing the operations or may include a combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware.

It should be recognized that the systems described herein include descriptions of specific embodiments. These embodiments can be combined into single systems, partially combined into other systems, split into multiple systems or divided or combined in other ways. In addition, it is contemplated that parameters, attributes, aspects, etc. of one embodiment can be used in another embodiment. The parameters, attributes, aspects, etc. are merely described in one or more embodiments for clarity, and it is recognized that the parameters, attributes, aspects, etc. can be combined with or substituted for parameters, attributes, aspects, etc. of another embodiment unless specifically disclaimed herein.

It is well understood that the use of personally identifiable information should follow privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining the privacy of users. In particular, personally identifiable information data should be managed and handled so as to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly indicated to users.

Although the foregoing has been described in some detail for purposes of clarity, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications may be made without departing from the principles thereof. It should be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing both the processes and apparatuses described herein. Accordingly, the present embodiments are to be considered illustrative and not restrictive, and the description is not to be limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the scope and equivalents of the appended claims.